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Minister calls for UK delegation to attend conference in Vienna.

External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf has called for Scottish and UK level representation at a conference on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons.

Mr Yousaf has written to Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond about attendance at the 3rd international conference on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons in Vienna later this year. The Minister highlighted the expected attendance of over 150 countries, including the USA, and the lead role the Scottish Government would have in response to any nuclear incident in Scotland.

Mr Yousaf said:

“With over 150 nations from around the globe due to meet in Vienna to discuss the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons, it is crucial that we have a voice in these discussions. That is why I have written to the Foreign Secretary to encourage the UK to send a delegation and have asked for a Scottish Minister to attend.

“Despite the consistent opposition of a majority of people in Scotland, this remains the only nation in the UK to host nuclear weapons and, in terms of consequence management, the Scottish Government would lead any response to a nuclear incident in Scotland.

“Under the current devolution settlement, Scotland would also have to handle the humanitarian consequences of a nuclear incident anywhere else in the world as it was felt in Scotland. We therefore need Scottish representation at the conference and I hope the Foreign Secretary will help make this happen and ensure the views of people in Scotland are taken into account.

“UK Ministers have not previously attended this conference and, so far, have not indicated that they will attend in December. The Scottish Government is strongly urging the UK Government to play a positive role in these vital discussions and not block Scottish participation."

Notes To Editors

The 3rd international conference on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons will take place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna on December 8 and 9, 2014.

Mr Yousaf wrote to the Foreign Secretary the Rt Hon. Philip Hammond on November 14, 2014 urging him to send a delegation to take part.